2024 Genesis GV70 vs 2023 Toyota Sienna

The 2023 Toyota Sienna aimed to redefine the minivan aesthetic, moving away from the traditional design that many associate with family road trips of the past. Toyota's efforts were evident in the Sienna's front-end styling, which drew inspiration from a Japanese bullet train. The vehicle offered a variety of trim levels, including the base LE, XLE, sporty XSE, Limited, and top-tier Platinum, with a special 25th Anniversary Edition also available. Inside, the Sienna impressed with high-quality materials, such as the brown leather upholstery and wood-grain accents found in the Platinum trim. The minivan accommodated seven or eight passengers, with the latter configuration available in the LE and XLE trims, making it a practical choice for families.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out with its sleek design and luxury appeal. The vehicle maintained Genesis' signature styling elements, such as split headlights and a large grille, while offering a more streamlined look compared to its larger sibling, the GV80. The GV70's design was both stylish and functional, with features like a hatchback-like rear window profile and distinctive wheel designs. Inside, the GV70 boasted a unique interior with quilted Nappa leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. The dashboard featured an elliptical pod for climate controls and a rotary controller for the infotainment system, adding to its distinctiveness. The GV70's interior design was a testament to Genesis' commitment to luxury and innovation.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna featured a hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with electric motors to produce 245 horsepower. While this setup was less powerful than some competitors, it offered a nimble and enjoyable driving experience, particularly in urban settings. The Sienna's light steering and tidy turning radius made it easy to maneuver, although its acceleration was less impressive compared to rivals like the Honda Odyssey. The Sienna offered several driving modes, but the Normal mode was recommended for the best balance of performance and efficiency.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 offered a range of powertrain options, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 300 horsepower and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower. Both engines were paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard all-wheel drive. The Electrified GV70 featured electric motors producing 429 horsepower, with a Boost Mode providing 483 horsepower for short bursts. While the GV70 delivered strong straight-line acceleration, its chassis tuning was less sporty than some competitors. The ride quality was comfortable but not exceptional, and the Electrified model maintained similar driving dynamics despite its additional weight. The GV70 also offered adjustable regenerative braking for a customizable driving experience.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna excelled in interior space and storage solutions, with a variety of cubbies, shelves, and bins. The minivan's large dimensions allowed for ample cargo space, with 33.5 cubic feet behind the third row and up to 101 cubic feet with the seats folded. However, the middle row could not be removed or folded into the floor, limiting maximum cargo capacity compared to some competitors. The Sienna's second-row captain's chairs were highly functional, offering extending ottomans and sliding capabilities for added comfort and flexibility.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 provided competitive interior space, with slightly less headroom than some rivals but more front-seat legroom. The GV70 offered 28.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 56.9 cubic feet with them folded. The Electrified GV70's interior space was minimally impacted by its battery pack, maintaining similar dimensions to the gasoline model. The GV70's stylish interior design came at the cost of small-item storage, but it included features like a dedicated phone nook and rear-seat climate controls. The Electrified model also featured automatic side bolsters for added support during spirited driving.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna's technology offerings were somewhat dated, relying on an older infotainment interface. It included core features like SiriusXM, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, but required a wired connection for the latter two. The interface was functional but felt clunky and outdated compared to newer systems. Despite this, the Sienna's technology was reliable, with a 9-inch touchscreen and a 12-speaker JBL audio system providing satisfactory performance.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 featured a more modern infotainment system, with a 14.5-inch touchscreen and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Higher trims offered a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a 3D effect and a 12-inch head-up display. The system was user-friendly, with an intuitive layout and a high-quality rotary controller. Genesis also included advanced features like a fingerprint scanner for driver profiles and a digital key for smartphone access, enhancing convenience and personalization.

The 2023 Toyota Sienna impressed with its comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and adaptive cruise control. The Sienna received a 5-star rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS for the 2022 model, highlighting its strong safety credentials. While it lacked some of the more gimmicky features found in competitors, the Sienna prioritized essential safety technologies for family protection.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 also excelled in safety, with the gasoline model receiving a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. The Electrified GV70 shared this accolade as a 2023 model. The GV70 included standard safety features like lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, and Highway Driving Assist. An advanced Highway Driving Assist 2 system was available, offering automated lane-change capability. Genesis also provided high-tech safety features like safe exit assist and a radar-based rear occupant alert system, enhancing overall safety and peace of mind.